Detoxification Device Having Heated Filter for Killing Pathogens

ABSTRACT

A detoxification device for removing pathogens from air within an environment. The detoxification device may include a filtration media for catching and retaining particles larger than about 0.3 micrometers (μm) with an efficiency of at least 99%. The detoxification device may also include a heating element having a metallic foam. The heating element may be heated upon application of an electrical current to the heating element. The heating element may, upon being heated, heat the filtration media to a target temperature that is effective to kill a pathogen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter set forth in the appended claims relates generally tosystems, devices, and methods for detoxification of air, particularly,for removing pathogens from the air.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for air filtration are used inheating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to removedust, pollen, mold, particulates, and the like from the air being movedthrough a facility. The filters used for the filtration can come in anumber of forms and can be configured to filter particles of a givensize with a given efficiency.

For example, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are commonlyused in cleanrooms, operating rooms, pharmacies, homes, etc. Thesefilters can be made of different types of media, such as fiberglassmedia, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) media, etc., and mayinclude activated carbon-based materials. In general, HEPA filters canfilter over 99 percent of particles with a diameter of a given size(e.g., 0.3 microns or size). However, even with such efficiency, HEPAfilters may be ineffective to stop pathogens (virons, bacteria, etc.).

Also, ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lights can stop pathogens, such asbacteria, viruses, and mold. The UV germicidal lights produceultraviolet radiation, which can then damage the genetic material of themicroorganisms. The damage may kill the pathogen or make them unable toreproduce. Extended exposure to the UV radiation can also break downpathogens that have deposited on an irradiated surface. One example ofan ultraviolet system includes an upper room air ultraviolet germicidalirradiation (UVGI) system.

Although existing systems for filtration and germicidal irradiation canbe effective in treating air to remove particulates and damagepathogens, there is a continuing need to detoxify and/or purify air infacilities, such as homes, workspaces, hospitals, nursing homes, and thelike, to reduce the spread of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, andmolds, even more.

In particular, the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a virusof global health significance caused by infection of severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is thought tospread from person to person in close contact through respiratorydroplets. Studies show the virus can survive for hours at a time and canbe persistently carried by airflow. For example, COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2)may survive in droplets for up to three hours after being expelled intothe air, and convection in the air is thought to be the primarymechanism for the spread of the infection. Accordingly, droplet-sprayand convection can drive direct airborne infection, and socialdistancing can be ineffective for enclosed environments where peoplespend substantial time together.

As there is no current cure for COVID-19, environmental detoxificationstrategies can help slow the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, currentsystems to treat circulated air are expensive and use primarily UVgermicidal light. These products require professional installation, arenot accessible to the general public per se, and have not been used tokill COVID-19.

For these reasons, the subject matter of the present disclosure isdirected to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or moreof the problems set forth above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments is a detoxification device for removing pathogensfrom air within an environment. The detoxification device may comprise afiltration media configured to catch and retain particles larger thanabout 0.3 micrometers (μm) with an efficiency of at least 99%. Thedetoxification device may also comprise a heating element comprising ametallic foam. The heating element may be configured to be heated uponapplication of an electrical current to the heating element. The heatingelement may be configured, upon being heated, to heat the filtrationmedia to a target temperature that is effective to kill a pathogen.

In some embodiments, the filtration media may be characterized aswithstanding a temperature of at least 200° C. without degradation ordiminishment of its filtration capacity. Also, in some embodiments, themetallic foam may comprise an alloy comprising at least 99% by weight ofan alloy comprising chromium and nickel. For example, the alloy may bestainless steel. The metallic foam may include a plurality of open-cellpores a least partially defining a plurality of flow-paths through theheating element. For example, the metallic foam may exhibit a porosityof from about 80 pores per square inch to about 120 pores per squareinch.

Also, in some embodiments is a method for removing pathogens from withinan environment. The method may comprise determining that air flow is notbeing conducted through a detoxification device. The detoxificationdevice may comprise a filtration media configured to catch and retainparticles larger than about 0.3 micrometers (μm) with an efficiency ofat least 99%. The detoxification device may also comprise a heatingelement comprising a metallic foam. The method may also comprise, basedupon the determination that air flow is not being conducted through thedetoxification device, heating the heating element so that, upon theheating element being heated, the filtration media is heated to a targettemperature that is effective to kill a pathogen.

The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potentialembodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a facility having an air handling system having adetoxification device according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate other arrangements of thedisclosed detoxification device used with various air handling systems.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate front, side, and end views of adetoxification device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a detoxification deviceof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cutaway view of a detoxification device ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a heating arrangement having a plurality of electricelements disposed in a plenum of a frame and connected to a power sourcecontrol.

Objectives, advantages, and a preferred mode of making and using theclaimed subject matter may be understood best by reference to theaccompanying drawings in conjunction with the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of example embodiments provides informationthat will enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the subjectmatter set forth in the appended claims, but it may omit certain detailsalready well-known in the art. The following detailed description is,therefore, to be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

The example embodiments may also be described herein with reference tospatial relationships between various elements or to the spatialorientation of various elements depicted in the attached drawings. Ingeneral, such relationships or orientation may assume a particular frameof reference although, as should be recognized by those skilled in theart, this frame of reference is merely a descriptive expedient ratherthan a strict prescription.

Referring to FIG. 1, an environment, which may be a facility 10 such asa home, hospital, office space, airport terminal, church, or otherenclosed environment, has an air handling system 20. In the embodimentof FIG. 1, the air handling system 20 is illustrated as a heating,ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system although, in otherembodiments, various other the air handling system configurations can beused. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the system 20 (e.g., anHVAC system) includes air returns 30, chases 32, and return ducts 34generally arranged to direct drawn return air from an indoor space to ablower 22, heat exchanger 24, and cooling unit 26 of the HVAC system 20.In turn, the HVAC system 20 provides conditioned supply air to the spacethrough supply ducts 36, vents 38, and the like. The heat exchanger 24can include an electric or gas furnace for heating the air. The coolingunit 26 can be an evaporator connected in a cooling circuit to otherconventional components outside the facility, such as a condenser,compressor, expansion valve, and related components.

As will be disclosed herein, the detoxification device 100 does notsignificantly alter the temperature of the air being treated, forexample, although the detoxification device may tend to only minimallyheat the air. For this reason, the detoxification device 100 may bedisposed in the return air upstream of the cooling unit 26. This canallow some of the heat to be dissipated in the air flow before beingcooled by the cooling unit 26. Alternatively, in some embodiments, thedetoxification device 100 may be disposed downstream of the cooling unit26 and/or heat exchanger and the cooling unit 26 and/or heat exchangermay be operated to account for any heat added to the air by operation ofthe detoxification device 100. For example, when heating the indoorspace, the detoxification device 100 may simply add to the heat providedby the HVAC system 20.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, one or more detoxification devices 100 areintegrated with or incorporated into the HVAC system 20. As disclosedherein, the one or more detoxification devices 100 are used in thefacility to detoxify and/or purify the air flow. In one arrangement, forexample, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the detoxification device100 is disposed in the air return 30 of the HVAC system 20, throughwhich return air is drawn to pass through the conditioning elements ofthe HVAC system 20. In some embodiments, each air return 30 in afacility may have such a detoxification device 100 so return air isdrawn through the detoxification device 100 during operation of the HVACsystem 20. Because HVAC systems 20 use a number of different filters ofvarious sizes, the detoxification device 100 can have dimensions to suitvarious filter sizes.

Although FIG. 1 shows the detoxification device 100 disposed at thereturn 30 for the chase 32 of the air handling system 20, otherarrangements can be used. Generally, the detoxification device 100 maybe sized to be integrated into a typical opening configured to receive aconventional air filter present in an air handling system (e.g., 14-20in x 25 in) as commercially available. For example, in some embodiments,referring to FIG. 2A, the detoxification device 100 may be disposedimmediately upstream of the blower 22 and other components of an HVACsystem 20 having a heat exchanger 24 configured as a horizontal furnace.Referring to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments the detoxification device 100may be disposed adjacent the blower 22 and other components of an HVACsystem 20 having a heat exchanger 24 configured as an upflow furnace.Finally, FIG. 2C shows the detoxification device 100 disposed above theblower 22 and other components of an HVAC system having a heat exchanger24 configured as a downflow furnace. These and other configurations canbe used. The heat exchanger 24 can use gas burners or electric heatingelements.

Additionally or alternatively, in some other embodiments, thedetoxification device 100 may be similarly employed in various otherembodiments. For example, FIG. 2D illustrates an air handling system 80in an airplane 70 having a detoxification device 100 of the presentdisclosure. In the airplane 70, the air in the cabin 74 may be changed20 to 30 times per hour with about half of the air being recycledthrough filters. Because the cabin 74 is pressurized, outside air entersan inlet 82 of the system 80 at high temperature and pressure from theengines 72. The hot and compressed air reaches the air conditioningunits 84 for the plane 70 where the air is cooled considerably. Forheating, some of the input air can enter the cabin 74 though theoverhead outlets 75. For cooling, the air from the conditioning unit 84passes to a mixing manifold 86 a in which the cooled outside air may becombined with cabin air in about a 50/50 ratio. The mixed air from themixing manifold 86 a can then be circulated through the cabin 74 via theoverhead outlets 75. A portion of the air in the cabin 74 from inlets 77is then discharged from outlet 79 in an equal amount to the outside airentering the cabin 74 to maintain a balance, and another portion of thecabin air though a buffer manifold 86 b is recirculated in the mixingchamber 86 a. Because the outside air is new, the detoxification device100 of the present disclosure may be placed at the mixing manifold 86 aand/or the buffer manifold 86 b of the air handling system 80 to treatthe recycled cabin air.

Also for example, FIG. 2E illustrates an air handling system 90 used ina cruise ship having a detoxification device 100 of the presentdisclosure. As shown, return/relief air pulled through a return duct 92a is diverted through filters 94 by blowers 96 a, which force the airthrough a heat wheel 98. Additional blowers 96 b then pass air out anexhaust 93 a to the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, outside air entering intake 92 b passes through filters 94,and the other end of the heat wheel 98 before passing on to cooling andfiltering elements. At the return duct 92 a, the return/relief air isalso diverted to the cooling and filtering elements. For these elements,the air is passed through one or more of filters 94, cooling coils 95,UV light treatment 97, additional filters 94, and a steam humidificationtreatment 99 before passing out to supply air ducts 93 b.

As shown in FIG. 2E, the detoxification device 100 can be used in thereturn air from the return duct 92 a that is recycled back through thesystem 90. Throughout the cruise ship, various components are used forconducting the air, including duct heaters, axial fans, dampers, etc.Various self-contained unit heaters can also be used in different areasof the cruise ship. As similarly disclosed with respect to the facility,the detoxification device 100 can be incorporated into the variousreturns, ducts, vents, and standalone units used throughout the vessel.

As will be appreciated, other vehicles and mass transit systems havingair handling systems can benefit in a similar way to an airplane and acruise ship. For example, busses, trains, and subways used in masstransit have air handling systems that typically use both outside airand recycled air. The disclosed detoxification device 100 can beincorporated into these air handling systems in a comparable way tothose discussed above.

In some embodiments, the detoxification device 100 is used with controlcircuitry and supplied power. For example, the control circuitry mayinclude a local controller 200 having appropriate power circuitry andprocessing circuitry for powering and controlling the operation of thedetoxification device 100. In some embodiments, the controller mayreceive a signal enabling the controller 200 to determine (e.g.,independently) if air flow is being conducted through the HVAC system 20and transmitted via the detoxification device 100. Alternatively, insome embodiments, the local controller 200 can be integrated and/or insignal communication with a system controller 50 for the HVAC system 20,such that the controller 200 may cause the system controller 50 tocontrol activation of the HVAC system 20 conduct air through the HVACsystem 20 and transmitted the detoxification device 100. In otheralternative embodiments, the detoxification device 100 may lack localcontrols and may be centrally controlled by the system controller 50. Aswill be appreciated, these control arrangements can be used in anycombination throughout a facility 10, multiple detoxification devices100, conditioning zones, HVAC components, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, front, side, and end views of anexample embodiment of the detoxification device 100 of the presentdisclosure are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, thedetoxification device 100 generally includes a frame 110 generallydefining a plenum 116, a heating element 120 disposed within the plenum116, and a filtration media 130 generally disposed across the plenum116.

The frame 110 may be generally configured to retain the heating element120 and the filtration media 130 in position within the plenum 116, forexample, extending across the plenum 116 generally perpendicular to thedirection of air-flow through the plenum 116. The frame 110 may also beconfigured to allow the detoxification device 100 to be inserted intoand/or disposed within a HVAC system, such as within an air return of asillustrated in FIG. 1, for replacing an existing return altogether, orto be disposed at another location within the HVAC system 20 such asillustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and/or 2C.

The frame 110 may generally include a plurality of sidewalls. Forexample, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the frame 110includes four sidewalls cooperatively at least partially enclosing theplenum 116, which generally defines a flow-space for air intended tomove through the detoxification device 100. The plenum 116 may beexposed on opposing open ends thereof, for example, at an inlet 112 andan outlet 118, respectively of the plenum 116. In some embodiments, suchas illustrated in FIG. 1, the inlet 112 may include a rim 114, which maybe configured to engage opening within which the frame 110 is disposed.Additionally or alternatively, fasteners can be used to affix the rim tosurrounding structures. The overall dimensions may vary according to theposition within the HVAC system where the detoxification device will bedisposed.

Generally, the heating element 120 is configured to be heated. Forexample, in some embodiments, the heating element 120 comprises and/oris formed from an electrically-conductive material that exhibits aresistance such that the application of an electrical current to theheating element 120 causes the heating element 120 to generate heat.

In some embodiments, the heating element 120 comprises of a metallicfoam. For example, the heating element 120 may comprise or consist of afoam formed from stainless steel (e.g., SAE 304 stainless steel).Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the heating element120 may comprise or consist of a foam formed from a metal comprisingnickel, titanium, molybdenum, copper, aluminum, carbon, nitrogen,silicon, sulfur, selenium, niobium, and alloys thereof. In variousembodiments, the metallic foam may comprise at least 95% by weight,alternatively, at least 96% by weight, alternatively, at least 97% byweight, alternatively, at least 98% by weight, alternatively, at least99% by weight, alternatively, at least 99.5% by weight of the metal.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the heating elementcomprises a mesh, a woven cloth, or a nonwoven cloth, for example, astainless steel mesh or a carbon cloth.

In some embodiments, the heating element 120 (e.g., a stainless steelfoam) may be characterized as electrically conductive and as exhibitingan electrical resistivity from about 6.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m (ohm-meter) to about7.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m. In some embodiments, the heating element 120 (e.g., astainless steel foam) may be characterized as exhibiting a resistance offrom about 4Ω (ohms) to about 20Ω where the voltage applied is 110 V ora resistance of from about 8Ω to about 20Ω where the voltage applied is220 V, for example, such that the current drawn by the heating element120 is from about 5 A (amps) to about 30 A. When a current is passedthrough the heating element 120, the resistance exhibited by the heatingelement 120 causes the heating element 120 to be heated to a targettemperature, for example, which may be hot enough to kill pathogens,including COVID-19. In various embodiments, the target temperature maybe at least 75° C., alternatively, at least 100° C., alternatively, atleast 125° C., alternatively, at least 150° C., alternatively, at least175° C., alternatively, at least 200° C., alternatively, at least 225°C., alternatively, at least 250° C. For example, in various embodiments,the heating element 120 may reach the target temperature within about 30seconds of the current being passed through the heating element 120,alternatively, within about 10 seconds, alternatively, within about 5seconds, alternatively, within about 4 seconds, alternatively, withinabout 3 seconds, alternatively, within about 2 seconds, alternatively,within about 1 seconds, alternatively, within less than a second,alternatively, within about half of a second, of the current beingpassed through the heating element 120.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating element 120 may be configured toallow air-flow through one or more dimensions of the heating element.For example, the heating element 120 may be characterized as permeableto air, such that air is able to flow through the heating element. Forexample, in embodiments where the heating element 120 comprises ametallic foam the (e.g., a stainless steel foam), the heating element120 may be characterized as porous. For example, the metallic foam mayinclude a plurality of pores interspersed through the metallic foam.

In some embodiments, the metallic foam may comprise a plurality ofopen-cell pores and/or a plurality of closed-cell pores. For example, insome embodiments, at least about 50%, alternatively at least about 60%,alternatively, at least about 70%, alternatively, at least about 80%,alternatively, at least about 90%, alternatively, substantially all ofthe pores may be characterized as open-cell pores. For example, in someembodiments, the metallic foam may be characterized as a reticulatedfoam. The metallic foam may have a porosity ranging from about 80pores/in² (pore per square inch) to about 120 pores/in², for example, aporosity of about 100 pores/in². The pores may be regularly distributedthrough the metallic foam and may have a diameter ranging from about0.10 mm to about 0.20 mm, for example, a diameter of about 0.15 mm. Thepresence of pores within the metallic foam may give the heating element120 (e.g., a metallic foam) a density in the range of from about 5.0g/cm³ to about 6.5 g/cm³, for example, about 5.69 g/cm³ for a metallicfoam of SAE 304 stainless steel. The pore sizes and free volume of themetallic foam may be varied according to desired parameters. Forexample, as will be disclosed herein, the distribution of pores,including open cell pores, may be effective to form three-dimensionalchannels (e.g., flow-paths) effective to allow the passage of airthrough the heating element 120.

In some embodiments, the heating element 120 may be configured to, whenheated, impart heat to the filtration media 130. For example, theheating element 120 may have a configuration effective to increase thesurface area of the heating element 120 exposed and/or in contact withthe filtration. Not intending to be bound by theory, an increase in thesurface area of the heating element 120 relative to its volume may beeffective to improve heat transfer to the filtration media 130 or toimprove the efficiency with which heat may be transferred from theheating element 120 to the filtration media 130.

For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, and cutaway of perspective viewof an embodiment of the detoxification device 100 and a detailed cutawayview of a portion of the detoxification device 100, respectively,showing the heating element 120 is shown. As illustrated in theembodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the heating element 120 generally includesa base portion 122 and a plurality of fins 124 extending generallyperpendicular to the base portion 122. In various embodiments, each ofthe base portion 122 and the plurality of fins 124 may have a suitablethickness, for example, from a thickness of from about 0.5 mm to about2.0 mm. Also, in various embodiments, the base portion 122 and one ormore of the plurality of fins 124 may be formed from one or more layers(e.g., one or more layers of a metallic foam), which may be coupled bywelding, adhesive, or by folding. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5,the plurality of fins 124 are illustrated as being corrugated, which maybe effective to further increase the surface area of the heating element120, although in other embodiments the fins may be flat.

The plurality of fins 124 may extend generally parallel to one-anotherand may be spaced apart from one another, thereby at least partiallydefining a plurality of void-spaces between adjacent fins 124.

In some embodiments, the filtration media 130 may be configured to catchand retain particles larger than about 0.3 μm with an efficiency of atleast 99.97%. For example, the filtration media 130 may be characterizedas meeting those filtration standards associated with HEPA filtration,for example, the filtration media 130 may be characterized as a HEPAfilter. In some embodiments, the filtration media 130 may include aplurality of pores having a diameter of less than 1 μm, for example, adiameter from about 0.05 μm to about 1 μm.

The filtration media 130 may be formed from any material suitable forfiltration and for withstanding the heat transmitted from the heatingelement 120. For example, in some embodiments the filtration media 130may be capable of withstanding temperatures of at least at least 200°C., alternatively, at least 225° C., alternatively, at least 250° C.,without degradation or diminishment of its filtration capacity.

In various embodiments, the filtration media 130 may be formed from anysuitable material or combination of materials, examples of which mayinclude non-woven, randomly-arranged fibers such as fiberglass, expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers, and the like.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more surfaces of thedetoxification device 100, or a component thereof, may include ananti-microbial coating to eliminate live bacteria and viruses. Forexample, the filtration media 130 may include an anti-microbial coatingto eliminate pathogens trapped by the filter media. Additionally oralternatively, the inside walls of the frame's plenum 116 may also haveanti-microbial coating.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the heating element 120 and thefiltration media 130 may be disposed within the frame 110, for example,across the plenum 116, perpendicular to the direction of air-flowthrough the plenum 116. The filtration media 130 may be disposed towardan upstream side of the frame 110, for example, toward or adjacent theinlet 112 of the plenum 116 and the heating element 120 may be disposeddownstream side of the frame 110, for example, toward or adjacent theoutlet 118 of the plenum 116. The heating element 120 and filtrationmedia 130 may be fixed to the frame 110 via any suitable engagement. Insome embodiments, one or more insulating materials may be disposedbetween the heating element 120 and the frame 110. The insulatingmaterial(s) may be effective to impede heat transfer between the heatingelement 120 and the frame 110 and/or to provide electrical insulationsuch that a current applied to the heating element 120 does not reachthe frame 110.

In some embodiments, the filtration media 130 may be continuous and mayinclude a plurality of pleats 132. As shown in FIG. 5, the pleats 132may be disposed within the void-spaces between two adjacent fins 124 ofthe heating element 120. In various embodiments, the filtration media130 may include from 1 to 10 pleats 132 per inch and the pleats may havea height of from about one (1) inch to about 12 inches. For example, insome embodiments the pleats 132 may be effective to increase theeffective surface area of the filtration media 130 relative to the areaof the plenum 116 defined by the frame 110. For example, in variousembodiments, the pleats 132 may yield an effective surface area for thefiltration media 130 that is at least about 500% of the area of theplenum 116, alternatively, at least 1,000% of the area of the plenum116, alternatively, at least 1,200% of the area of the plenum 116,alternatively, at least 1,400% of the area of the plenum 116,alternatively, at least 1,600% of the area of the plenum 116,alternatively, at least 1,800% of the area of the plenum 116,alternatively, at least 2,000% of the area of the plenum 116,alternatively, at least 2,500% of the area of the plenum 116.

Not intending to be bound by theory, the pleats 132 may increase thesurface area through which air may move through the filtration unit and,thereby, improve air flow. For example, the detoxification device 100may exhibit a pressure drop in the range of from about 0.5 inches toabout 3 inches of water column height while allowing air flow, persquare foot of cross-sectional area of the plenum 116, in the range offrom about 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 1,000 CFM.

Further, and again not intending to be bound by theory, the pleats 132may increase the surface area with which a pathogen might come intocontact. Further still, and again not intending to be bound by theory,the pleats 132 may also improve heat transfer and/or the efficiency ofheat transfer between the heating element 120 and the filtration media130, for example, by increasing contact and proximity between thefiltration media 130 and the heating element 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, the operation and/or control of the detoxificationdevice 100, for example, via the controller 200, is illustrated. In someembodiments, the controller 200 can be connected to one or more types ofpower supply(s) 40, such as available AC power supplies of a facility,battery power, or other power source. Power circuitry of the controller200 can convert the supplied power as needed to produce DC power andvoltage levels. The heating element 120 is connected in electricalcommunication with the power supply 40 through the controller 200, whichcontrols operation of the heating element 120 in the plenum 116. Forexample, the controller 200 may be configured to control the heating ofthe heating element 120 by regulating the power supplied to the heatingelement.

Generally, the controller may be configured to determination whether ifair flow is being conducted through the HVAC system 20 and, based uponthat determination, operate the heating element 120 so that the heatingelement 120 is heated while air flow is not being conducted through theHVAC system. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to operate the heating element 120 so that the heatingelement 120 is heated while air is flowing through the HVAC system.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 may receive a signal enablingthe controller 200 to determine if air flow is being conducted throughthe HVAC system 20 and transmitted via the detoxification device 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller 200 can include or bein signal communication with one or more sensors. The controller 200 maybe in signal communication with a flow sensor 217 configured toindicated parameters such as flow and/or velocity of the air passingthrough the plenum 116. The detected flow by the flow sensor 217 may beused by the controller 200 to initiate operation of the detoxificationdevice 100. In some embodiments, the controller 200 may be configured tocause the heating element 120 to be heated when the flow sensor 217indicates that there is no air flow through the plenum 116 or,alternatively, when the flow sensor 217 indicates that air flow throughthe plenum 116 is less than an air-flow threshold.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller 200can be integrated and/or in signal communication with otherdetoxification devices and with other components of an air handingsystem in a facility, such as the system controller 50 for the HVACsystem 20. For example, the controller 200 may include a communicationinterface 212 to communicate with the system controller 50. For example,the controller 200 can receive signals indicative of whether the HVACsystem 20 is on/off, which may be indicative of the passage of the airflow through the detoxification device 100. The controller 200 can thenthe control the heating of the heating element 120 based on the signalsreceived.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller 200 can be integratedand/or in signal communication with a system controller 50 such that thecontroller 200 may cause the system controller 50 to control activationof the HVAC system 20 conduct air through the HVAC system 20 andtransmitted the detoxification device 100.

In other alternative embodiments, the detoxification device 100 may lacklocal controls and may be centrally controlled by the system controller50. As will be appreciated, these control arrangements can be used inany combination throughout a facility 10, multiple detoxificationdevices 100, conditioning zones, HVAC components, and the like.

In some embodiments, based upon the determination of whether or not airflow is being conducted through the HVAC system 20 and, the controller200 may cause the heating element 120 to be heated and, the heatingelement 120 may cause the filtration media 130 to be heated. Forexample, during at least a portion of a time during the controller 200is signaled that air is not being conducted through the HVAC system 20and/or through the detoxification device 100, the controller 200 maycause the heating element 120 and/or the filtration media 130 to beheated to a target temperature. Alternatively, in some embodiments, thecontroller 200 may cause the heating element 120 and/or the filtrationmedia 130 to be heated to a target temperature while air is beingconducted through the HVAC system 20 and/or through the detoxificationdevice 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller 200 may be disposed inelectrical communication with heater circuitry 214 connected to theheating element 120. In some embodiments where the controller 200determines that air is not passing through the detoxification device 100(for example, the HVAC system is not being operated), the controller 200can cause the heating element 120 to be heated, for example—via theheater circuitry 214 and the power supply 40. As will be appreciated,the controller 200 and heater circuitry 214 may include any necessaryswitches, relays, timers, power transformers, etc. to condition andcontrol power supplied to the heating element 120.

Also, for example, the controller 200 can include or be in signalcommunication with one or more temperature sensors 216 disposed in theplenum 116 adjacent the heating element 120. The temperature sensor(s)216 may be configured to measure temperature associated with the heatingelement 120 and/or the filtration media 130 so that the controller 200can operate the heating element 120 to cause the heating element 120and/or the filtration media 130 to reach the target temperature.Depending on the implementation and the pathogens to be affected, theheating element 120 and/or the filtration media 130 can heated to thesurface temperature effective to kill a particular pathogen. Forexample, a temperature of about 56° C. or above (133-152° F.) may beeffective to kill the SARS coronavirus. For example, in variousembodiments, the heating element 120 and/or the filtration media 130 canbe heated to the surface temperature of at least about 75° C.,alternatively, at least 100° C., alternatively, at least 125° C.,alternatively, at least 150° C., alternatively, at least 175° C.,alternatively, at least 200° C., alternatively, at least 225° C.,alternatively, at least 250° C.

In various embodiments, the controller 200 may also be configured tomaintain the heating element 120 and/or the filtration media 130 at thetarget temperature for a duration effective to kill the pathogen. Forexample, in various embodiments, the controller 200 may also beconfigured to maintain the heating element 120 and/or the filtrationmedia 130 at the target temperature for a duration from about 0.5seconds to about 30 second, alternatively, from about 0.75 seconds toabout 20 second, alternatively, less than about 15 second,alternatively, less than about 10 second, alternatively, less than about5 second, alternatively, more than about 0.25 second, alternatively,more than about 0.5 seconds, alternatively, more than about 0.75 second,alternatively, more than about 1.0 seconds, alternatively, more thanabout 2.0 seconds, alternatively, more than about 3.0 seconds,alternatively, more than about 4.0 seconds.

Although the detoxification device 100 has been described above asincluding a frame 110 that accommodates an air filter in the frame 110,in some embodiments, the detoxification device 100 can include a frame110 configured to be mounted behind a conventional air return.Alternatively, the detoxification device 100 can include a frame 110that mounts at an intake of a furnace downstream from a separate airfilter. In these types of arrangement, the detoxification device 100 caninclude a frame 110, and a heating element 120 as before.

Although various embodiments of the detoxification device 100 have beendisclosed as being used separately or in combination with an airhandling system, in some other embodiments, a detoxification deviceincluding a filtration media and a heating element controlled bycontrol/power circuitry can be configured to be retrofitted or added toan existing duct of the air handling system. For example, such adetoxification device can be disposed upstream of operable components ofthe air handling system, or can be configured elsewhere in the air flow.

Also, in some other embodiments, a detoxification device including afiltration media and a heating element controlled by control/powercircuitry can be incorporated into more stand-alone detoxificationdevices arranged in a facility. These stand-alone detoxification devicesmay have local controllers and user/communication interfaces, and can becontrolled individually or commonly.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates the detoxification device100 implemented within a HVAC system 20 disposed within a facility 10,in other embodiments the detoxification device 100 may be implemented inthe context of (e.g., incorporated into) a mobile detoxification deviceused to detoxify and/or purify the air in a facility. Briefly, themobile detoxification device may include a housing that is mobile in theenvironment and that has an intake and an exhaust. The mobiledetoxification device may have on or more detoxification devices, asdisclosed herein, and one or more prime movers. The detoxificationdevices may be disposed toward the intake. For mobility, the mobilehousing may also include one or more caster wheels, a tow hitch, and/ora handle.

The intake can be an open side of the housing for intaking environmentalair across a larger surface area, while the exhaust can be a port out ofthe top of the housing directing treated air in an upper area of theenvironment. The housing may have sidewalls enclosing an interior ormain plenum for passage of air flow therethrough from the intake to theexhaust. The one or more prime movers may be disposed in the housingbetween the intake and the exhaust and may be operable to draw in theair from the environment through the intake and exhaust treated air backto the environment through the exhaust.

The mobile detoxification device can be controlled a local controller,which determines independently the device's operation. Alternatively,the local controller can be integrated with a system controller for anHVAC system (e.g., the HVAC system 20). In a further alternative, themobile detoxification device may lack local controls and may becentrally controlled by a system controller or a remote controller. Aswill be appreciated, these control arrangements can be used in anycombination throughout a facility, multiple detoxifications devices,conditioning zones, and the like.

The detoxification device, as disclosed herein, may be advantageouslyemployed to detoxify and/or purify air within various facilities of thetypes discussed herein, for example, by removing pathogens from the air.For example, in various embodiments, the detoxification device 100 canbe effective to detoxify and/or purify at least 100 CFM, or at least 500CFM, or at least 1,000 CFM, at least 5,000 CF, at least 10,000 CFM, atleast 20,000 CFM, or at least 30,000 CFM depending upon the particularconfiguration of the detoxification device.

For example, as disclosed herein, the filtration media 130 within thedetoxification device 100 may be effective to catch at least 99%, or atleast 99.5%, or at least 99.95%, or at least 99.97% of all particleswithin air flowing through the detoxification device 100 (e.g., airmoving via the HVAC system 20), including any pathogens, such as theSars-CoV-2 virus. In operation, pathogens present within air in afacility may be circulated through the HVAC system and through thedetoxification device 100 and may be caught and/or trapped by thefiltration media 130. As disclosed herein, when the controller 200determines that the HVAC system is not operating to move therethrough(e.g., when the HVAC system cycles “off”), the controller 200 willdirect power to the heating element 120 necessary to cause the heatingelement 120 and/or the filtration media 130 to the target temperature.As the heating element 120 is heated, heat is transmitted to thefiltration media 130 where any pathogens are caught, killing thepathogens.

As such, the heating element 120 (e.g., a metal foam) provides heateffective to eliminate pathogens but, at the same time, because of theporosity of the heating element 120 (e.g., a metal foam), the heatingelement 120 does not overly impede the air flow and does notdetrimentally increase the energy required from the HVAC system to moveair through the detoxification device 100 (e.g., in comparison to aconventional HEPA filter).

Moreover, implementation of the detoxification device 100 does notsignificantly or detrimentally alter the temperature of the air beingpurified. Particularly, and as disclosed herein, the controller 200 doesnot cause the heating element 120 to be heated while the HVAC system 20is being operated; that is, the heating element 120 is only heated whileair is not flowing through the HVAC system 20. Because the heatingelement 120 is only heated while air is not flowing through the HVACsystem 20, heat is not dissipated to air moving through the HVAC system.As such, less energy is needed to heat the heating element 120 and/orfiltration media 130 to the target temperature and, also, the air is notdetrimentally heated. As such, the heat directed to the heating element120 will be used to kill pathogens rather than increase the airtemperature, meaning that increases in air temperature will beminimized.

While shown in a few illustrative embodiments, a person having ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the systems, apparatuses, andmethods described herein are susceptible to various changes andmodifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, descriptions of various alternatives using terms such as “or”do not require mutual exclusivity unless clearly required by thecontext, and the indefinite articles “a” or “an” do not limit thesubject to a single instance unless clearly required by the context.Components may be also be combined or eliminated in variousconfigurations for purposes of sale, manufacture, assembly, or use.

The appended claims set forth novel and inventive aspects of the subjectmatter described above, but the claims may also encompass additionalsubject matter not specifically recited in detail. For example, certainfeatures, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if notnecessary to distinguish the novel and inventive features from what isalready known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Features,elements, and aspects described in the context of some embodiments mayalso be omitted, combined, or replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from thescope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

1. A detoxification device for removing pathogens from air within anenvironment, the detoxification device comprising: a frame defining aplenum through which air is configured to pass; a filtration mediaextending across the plenum and configured to catch and retain particleslarger than about 0.3 micrometers (μm) with an efficiency of at least99%; and a heating element comprising a metallic foam having a pluralityof open-cell pores defining a plurality of flow-paths through theheating element, the heating element extending continuously across theplenum perpendicular to a direction of air-flow through the plenum suchthat air moving via the plenum moves through the plurality of flow-pathsdefined by the plurality of open-cell pores, wherein the heating elementis configured to be heated upon application of an electrical current tothe heating element, and wherein the heating element is in contact withthe filtration media such that, upon being heated, the heating elementwill heat the filtration media to a target temperature that is effectiveto kill a pathogen.
 2. The detoxification device of claim 1, wherein thefiltration media comprises fiberglass or expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers.
 3. The detoxification device ofclaim 1, wherein the filtration media includes a plurality of poreshaving a diameter from about 0.05 μm to about 1 μm.
 4. Thedetoxification device of claim 1, wherein the filtration media ischaracterized as withstanding a temperature of at least 200° C. withoutdegradation or diminishment of its filtration capacity.
 5. Thedetoxification device of claim 1, wherein the metallic foam comprises analloy comprising at least 99% by weight of an alloy comprising chromiumand nickel.
 6. The detoxification device of claim 5, wherein the alloyis stainless steel.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The detoxification device of claim1, wherein the metallic foam exhibits a porosity of from about 80 poresper square inch to about 120 pores per square inch.
 9. (canceled) 10.The detoxification device of claim 1, wherein the filtration mediaextends across the plenum of the detoxification device generallyperpendicular to a direction of air-flow through the plenum, wherein thefiltration media is disposed toward an inlet to the plenum and theheating element is disposed toward an outlet of the plenum.
 11. Thedetoxification device of claim 10, wherein the heating element comprisesa base portion and a plurality of fins extending perpendicularly fromthe base portion thereby at least partially defining a plurality ofvoid-spaces between the fins.
 12. The detoxification device of claim 11,wherein the filtration media comprises a plurality of pleats.
 13. Thedetoxification device of claim 12, wherein the each of the plurality ofpleats is disposed within one of the plurality of void-spaces betweenthe fins.
 14. The detoxification device of claim 13, wherein thedetoxification device exhibits a pressure drop in the range of fromabout 0.5 inches to about 3 inches of water column height while allowingair flow, per square foot of cross-sectional area of the plenum, in therange of from about 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 1,000 CFM.15. The detoxification device of claim 1, further comprising acontroller configured to cause the heating element to be heated.
 16. Thedetoxification device of claim 15, wherein the controller is configuredto cause the heating element to be heated based upon determining if airflow is being conducted through the detoxification device.
 17. Thedetoxification device of claim 16, wherein the controller is configuredto cause the heating element to be heated when the controller determinesthat air flow is not being conducted through the detoxification device.18. The detoxification device of claim 1, wherein the detoxificationdevice is configured to be incorporated into a heating, ventilating, andair conditioning (HVAC) system disposed within a facility.
 19. Thedetoxification device of claim 1, wherein the detoxification device isconfigured to be incorporated into a mobile detoxification device havinga housing, an intake, and an exhaust.
 20. A method for removingpathogens from within an environment, the method comprising: determiningthat air flow is not being conducted through a detoxification device,the detoxification device comprising: a frame defining a plenum throughwhich air is configured to pass; a filtration media extending across theplenum and configured to catch and retain particles larger than about0.3 micrometers (μm) with an efficiency of at least 99%; and a heatingelement comprising a metallic foam having a plurality of open-cell poresdefining a plurality of flow-paths through the heating element, theheating element extending continuously across the plenum perpendicularto a direction of air-flow through the plenum such that air moving viathe plenum moves through the plurality of flow-paths defined by theplurality of open-cell pores, wherein the heating element is in contactwith the filtration media; and based upon the determination that airflow is not being conducted through the detoxification device, heatingthe heating element so that, upon the heating element being heated, thefiltration media is heated to a target temperature that is effective tokill a pathogen.